Let me begin today by asking you a question. If you direct a large music ensemble such as a choir, orchestra, or band, how do you assign report card grades to your students? I've been teaching music for over thirty years. "Back in the day" it was perfectly acceptable to give any student that warmed … Continue reading What You Evaluate Says A Lot About What’s of Value in Your Program
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Why Do We Make Music?
One of the pitfalls of doing anything over a long period of time, is that we can wake up one day and realize we've forgotten why we do what we do. We've been doing it for so long, it has become a habit, a lifestyle, a part of who we are. Chances are those of … Continue reading Why Do We Make Music?
A Context for some Productive Music Lessons
Throughout the school year, one of my biggest challenges is getting my eighth graders to sing. Apart from rapping their favorite songs, many students this age are not interested in singing unless they have a specific interest in music. There are always the choir students who do like to sing, of course, but for the … Continue reading A Context for some Productive Music Lessons
